EMT–Paramedic Core (EMT-P) Test

What it covers: ABCs, OPQRST/SAMPLE, vitals trends, red flags, triage/transport decisions.

• B (D1–D2): primary survey priorities, focused history, identify stable vs unstable.
• I (D2): recognize deterioration early; choose reassessment triggers.
• P (D2–D3): differential-driven assessment (e.g., respiratory vs metabolic vs neuro), trend-based decisions and “what changes your plan?” AI cues: provide vitals twice (before/after); ask “most concerning finding” + “next best step”.

What it covers: airway compromise recognition, oxygenation vs ventilation, BVM quality, escalation decisions.

• B (D1–D2): positioning, suction, OPA/NPA selection, BVM vs O2.
• I (D2): add non-invasive escalation choices (state-dependent), more nuanced respiratory failure recognition.
• P (D2–D3): advanced airway decision-making, ventilation strategy, capnography interpretation at a high level (conceptual). AI cues: “SpO2 improves but patient worsens—why?” “Signs of impending failure?”

What it covers: shock recognition, bleeding control, perfusion support, transport urgency.

• B (D1–D2): external bleeding control, recognize shock signs, rapid transport triggers.
• I (D2): IV/IO conceptually (don’t over-specify), fluid choice principles (protocol-aware).
• P (D2–D3): shock type differentiation (cardiogenic vs distributive vs obstructive), avoid harmful interventions (e.g., fluid overload risks). AI cues: include skin signs + mentation + pulse pressure; ask for shock type + priority.

What it covers: chest pain/ACS suspicion, unstable rhythms, arrest priorities, post-ROSC basics.

• B (D1–D2): recognize cardiac red flags, early CPR/AED, oxygen if indicated, rapid transport.
• I (D2): add rhythm recognition at a basic level + escalation decisions.
• P (D2–D3): stable vs unstable dysrhythmia management priorities, defib vs CPR sequencing, post-ROSC and “treat reversible causes” thinking (conceptual). AI cues: avoid pure algorithm recall; present “unstable signs” and ask action now.

What it covers: asthma/COPD, anaphylaxis, seizure, stroke recognition, diabetic emergencies, overdose/tox.

• B (D1–D2): recognize time-critical patterns; basic interventions + transport urgency.
• I (D2): add protocol-based escalation and reassessment.
• P (D2–D3): nuanced decision-making (e.g., respiratory distress vs failure; toxidrome clues; when to prioritize airway over meds). AI cues: “Which finding is a red flag?” “What’s the biggest risk if you delay transport?”

What it covers: trauma survey, bleeding, airway/breathing support, packaging/extrication coordination, trauma triage.

• B (D1–D2): control bleeding, spinal motion restriction principles, rapid trauma assessment.
• I (D2): coordinate extrication vs treatment priorities.
• P (D2–D3): competing priorities (trapped patient + airway risk + hemorrhage), destination decisions (trauma center), minimizing scene time. AI cues: “You can do only one thing before transport—what is it?” “When do you go ‘load-and-go’?”

What it covers: respiratory distress/failure recognition, shock, dehydration, febrile illness red flags.

• B (D1–D2): pediatric assessment triangle conceptually, caregiver communication, basic respiratory support.
• I (D2): escalation triggers; reassessment and deterioration recognition.
• P (D2–D3): subtle signs (quiet child, poor tone), high-risk decisions, airway/ventilation priorities. AI cues: use age-appropriate vitals ranges loosely (don’t quiz exact numbers unless you want that).

What it covers: imminent delivery, postpartum hemorrhage recognition, neonatal initial steps, dignity/privacy.

• B (D1–D2): recognize imminent delivery; basic steps; when to transport vs deliver on scene.
• I (D2): complications recognition and escalation.
• P (D2–D3): neonatal distress priorities; postpartum hemorrhage urgency and transport planning. AI cues: “What sign suggests complication?” “What’s the immediate priority after delivery?”

What it covers: indications/contraindications, allergies, interaction risk, reassessment after meds.

• B (D1): “right patient/drug/route/time,” allergy checks, avoid obvious contraindications.
• I (D2): monitoring after administration; side-effect recognition; protocol boundaries.
• P (D2–D3): complex contraindications (e.g., hypotension + certain meds), balancing benefits/risks, medication error prevention under stress. AI cues: keep dosing minimal unless you explicitly want math; focus on decision safety.

What it covers: PCR completeness, structured handoff (SBAR/MIST), critical negatives, trend reporting.

• B (D1–D2): what must be documented; clear concise radio report.
• I (D2): include reassessment + response to treatment.
• P (D2–D3): prioritizing what matters in 30 seconds; reporting uncertainty; clean timelines + vitals trend. AI cues: ask “which detail is most important to include?” “best handoff phrasing?”

What it covers: refusal handling, capacity checks, implied consent basics, privacy with bystanders/filming.

• B (D1–D2): refusal steps, involve medical control/supervisor per protocol, do not share PHI.
• I (D2): more nuanced capacity scenarios (intoxication, head injury).
• P (D2–D3): conflict + de-escalation + documentation + safe disposition planning. AI cues: “What do you document?” “What can you say to bystanders?” “When is transport mandatory vs refusal allowed (protocol-based framing)?”

What it covers: rig checks, PPE selection, decon, sharps safety, exposure response.

• B (D1–D2): standard precautions, basic rig readiness, cleaning workflow.
• I (D2): cross-contamination prevention in multi-patient situations.
• P (D2–D3): operational judgment during surge; maintaining readiness while turning around calls quickly. AI cues: scenario-based “what’s the safest approach to prevent exposure?”

What it covers: triage order, resource allocation, unified comms.

• B (D1–D2): simple triage prioritization; communicate needs clearly.
• I (D2): manage limited resources; establish role clarity.
• P (D2–D3): triage under ambiguity + updates; coordinate with command; avoid tunnel vision. AI cues: multiple patients + limited units; ask who first and what to communicate.